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Zimmermann to get extra day of rest

Zimmermann to get extra day of rest

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WASHINGTON -- Nationals manager Davey Johnson remains confident it's not a big deal, but the shoulder inflammation that's given Jordan Zimmermann trouble getting loose his past few starts has now pushed his next outing back a day.

Zimmermann was originally scheduled to pitch Friday against the Marlins, but Johnson swapped him and Gio Gonzalez, giving Zimmermann an extra day to rest. Zimmermann began taking medication for the injury on Monday. Gonzalez will still be pitching on regular rest following Monday's off-day, while Zimmermann will start on six days' rest.

"To make it easier for everybody concerned, Gio can throw [on the side] today and pitch Friday on his full rest. This just gives Zim an extra day," Johnson said. "It's not a big deal because he's feeling good, a lot better than he has been, and he's been pitching lights-out. So it's good."

Johnson continued to downplay the situation, pointing to Zimmermann's most recent start in Milwaukee as to how effective he can be. The Miller Park radar gun tagged one of Zimmermann's early fastballs at 97 mph. Johnson first revealed after that game that Zimmermann has been dealing with this ailment for a few weeks, but the right-hander said it was nothing out of the ordinary.

"He was going to get an extra day anyway," Johnson said. "It's not a big concern. He threw a great game."

With Zimmermann starting Saturday, Gonzalez will pitch the nightcap of Friday's doubleheader and John Lannan will be added to the roster to pitch the first game.